p. 724 | The Alternative by Epsilon

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 46.

The Alternative.

By Epsilon

TAKING a general view of Christianity, and considering its various creeds and conflicting theories, the queries naturally arise, What is the matter with Christianity? Why such a diversity of creeds? The skeptic answers: "The Bible is so vague and indefinite in its teachings, that men cannot agree on its doctrines." But the skeptic would better lay down the alternative: "Either the Bible is vague and indefinite in its teachings, or else those who profess to be guided by it are not careful to know and obey it." This alternative must be accepted. There is no evading it, and there is no neutral ground; and to be consistent we must take one side or the other. Many Christians do virtually admit that the Bible is vague and indefinite in its teachings. Some churches (or schools) immerse, sprinkle, or pour, as the recipient may desire. However this conduct may be justified, the world understands it to mean, "We are teachers and students of the Bible; but the Bible is so vague and indefinite in its teachings that we cannot decide whether immersion, sprinkling, or pouring is right." Those who flatter themselves with being liberal, often say, "It matters not what we believe, if we are only sincere." The world understands this to mean, "God gave us a vague and indefinite guide only to test our sincerity."

But what do these "liberal Christians" do when the Bible is opened to them and shown to be plain and pointed in its teachings? We leave it to them, and to those who have watched their conduct, to answer. When those who know the truth, present it, and give in its defense proof on proof by quoting many plain, pointed, and definite scriptures, all those who idolize their church instead of worshiping God, begin to use such sneers as, "bigot," "infallible," "Judaizing teacher," "materialistic." The world understands their conduct to say, "The Bible is vague and indefinite, yet these people are foolish enough to believe it is definite, and pointed in its teachings."

To the unconvinced reader, we desire to say: It is your privilege to know for yourself that the Bible is definite in its teachings, provided you are only willing to lay aside your traditions and preconceived opinions, and renounce all idols, whether self, "my church," or other things that stand between you and Him who is ever saying, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

The whole world, professed saints, and sinners, are showing by their conduct that the Bible is fulfilling its mission. It is separating the "wheat from the chaff." It is "sharper than any two-edged sword," making the closest divisions. It is, so to speak, analyzing the human family, placing the gold and the various drosses apart. It is like the pillar of cloud that stood between the few Israelites and the many Egyptians, a shining brightness to the few, but an inky blackness to the many. Beware of idols. "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"

EPSILON.